Home / Business and Economy / LA Eateries Face Influencer Fallout: Promises Unfulfilled
LA Eateries Face Influencer Fallout: Promises Unfulfilled
10 Jun
Summary
- Restaurants paid influencers $500 plus meals for posts.
- Influencers failed to deliver promised content, causing backlash.
- Businesses struggle with influencer marketing risks and costs.
A growing trend of small restaurants in Los Angeles being left unsatisfied by influencer marketing collaborations has surfaced. Hollywood Thai restaurant, for instance, paid an influencer $500 and nearly $100 in food for a single social media post. The influencer, Christian Garcia, did not post until April 3, nearly three months after initial agreement, following online pressure. Garcia stated his video editor was delayed, while the restaurant's social media manager, Grace Lee, expressed disappointment.
This incident is not isolated. Relentless Brewing and Spirits in Eagle Rock experienced a similar issue with influencer Richard Lee, who was paid $400 and provided $800 in food and drink in exchange for a video by June 12, 2025. Lee did not post until April 2026. After public outcry, Lee issued an apology video and refunded the restaurant.
Another case involved Echo Park restaurant Men & Beasts, which provided a meal valued at nearly $500 to influencer sisters Leah Marie and Sarah Talabi for promotional content. The sisters failed to deliver permanent posts, only providing ephemeral Instagram stories. Despite these negative experiences, many independent businesses like Men & Beasts continue to work with influencers due to limited marketing budgets.
